PENAMPANG: UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasised the importance of ongoing negotiations between the State Government and the Federal Government to establish the special allocation rate and resolve the issue of the 40% revenue payment to Sabah as outlined in Article 112C of the Federal Constitution.
“I appreciate the efforts of the State Government in presenting the claim to the Federal Government recently. This step is very positive towards resolving the long-standing issue,” he said in a media statement after chairing the UPKO Supreme Council meeting here today.
Recently, State Attorney General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh mentioned that the Sabah government has been carrying out its duties professionally and dedicatedly in demanding the special allocation of 40 percent.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that UPKO welcomes the statement by the Sabah Attorney General regarding the progress of the claim to the Federal Government, the commitment of the Unity Government, and the readiness of the State Government to continue negotiations on this matter.
“I will play a role in helping to realize the aspirations of the people of Sabah and the Sabah government in achieving this claim through the platforms I am part of, such as the Federal Cabinet, the Special Committee on the Implementation of MA63, and the MA63 Technical Committee,” he said.
He hopes that all leaders in the state will continue to unite in advocating for this claim for the overall benefit of the people of Sabah.
“I also hope that the State Government will hold special briefings from time to time with Members of Parliament and Members of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to provide more detailed explanations and updates.” he added,
